Accounting technician: Job description

Accounting technicians work in all areas of finance and business. They usually start working in a support role within a firm of accountants or in the accounts or finance departments of organisations. They may be employed in industry, commerce or the public sector. Those with more experience may become self-employed, providing a variety of accountancy and taxation services to a range of small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

In many larger organisations, accounting technicians work alongside members of chartered accountancy bodies. In smaller organisations, they may be the only financially trained member of staff.

Typical work activities

Depending on the route taken, qualification and subsequent work experience, an accounting technician may undertake a range of roles.

Specific activities vary according to the role, but common tasks include:

• assisting with the preparation of accounts;
• managing staff payroll;
• receiving and settling invoices;
• dealing with basic bookkeeping;
• auditing external and internal work;
• looking after all financial transactions, budgets and payroll;
• monitoring staff and company expenses;
• controlling budgets;
• accounting for resources;
• liaising with other professionals in the field;
• writing reports.

Different financial sectors require specialist knowledge. This may determine which areas a technician chooses to specialise in. More senior positions include finance manager, budget controller and internal auditor, with each role requiring particular knowledge and experience.

Self-employed accounting technicians provide a range of accountancy services to businesses. These tend to be in a specialist area of accounting and may include:

• advising on budgets;
• advising on taxation issues;
• calculating end-of-year accounts;
• consultancy.